California’s chicest destination is perfect for winter sun
A Californian road trip is at the top of a lot of our travel bucket lists. The bright blue skies, soaring temperatures, endless stretches of coast and a whole host of movie-worthy locations makes for the most perfect of holiday memories.
When perfecting your itinerary, the iconic destinations will be at the top of your list: Los Angeles for a taste of the bustling city and Hollywood Hills, Las Vegas for nightlife, Palm Springs for a desert oasis, and maybe a coastal town of two for some charm. But if you’ve never considered a stopover in Santa Barabara, you’re missing out.
Located on a beautiful stretch of California's central coastline, Santa Barbara brings together the Golden State's Spanish influence, laid-back vibe, and upscale sensibility in a way few places can, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as its backdrop. Talk about impressive. And it's perfect for a winter break with hot weather, when temperatures reach a balmy 18 to 20 degrees in December, January and February.
While many people write it off as a small beach town, it’s truly a gem of the coast with so much to offer. Downtown, the Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage, with curated boutiques and restaurants offering local wines and around-the-clock dining on State Street.
It’s just 90 minutes from Los Angeles and was a true highlight of my most recent trip. So whether you’re looking to catch some sunshine on the beach, or surrender to a world of laid-back style, there really is a magic to Santa Barbara, and I can guarantee you’ll want to book some flights before the end of this article…
Where to stay
Accommodation can really make or break a stay and trust me when I say I’ve had a few less-than-ideal experiences. But walking through the doors of the Hotel Californian, with its American-cool interiors and oceanside vibe, those memories felt worlds away. The hotel has 121 rooms but is the epitome of a home away from home despite the size. It’s one of the most luxe hotels on the ‘American Riviera’, located right in the centre of Santa Barbara, providing access to immersive dining, rooftop swimming, and the most incredible ocean views.
Catering to the pursuit of getting lost in the moment, the hotel has luxe gardens, fountains, open plazas, a rooftop pool and deck with 360-degree views, a luxurious Moroccan-inspired spa, and a range of on-site dining options, including a wine tasting room. Fitting in with the local architecture, the building itself is stunning: a timeless adaptation of 1925 Spanish Revival architecture combined with modern interior design elements. If you’re looking to stay somewhere memorable, Hotel Californian is at the core of what makes Santa Barbara one of the most fascinating travel destinations, and is embraced by Hollywood elite, stylish locals, and discerning visitors alike.
The bedrooms are spacious and modern with beds almost too comfortable to leave. In a double room, you’re treated to a luxe bathroom (two sinks? Yes please) and views of either the ocean, plaza, or bustling street below. State Street is only a few steps away, but the hotel’s campus-style layout makes it feel like you’re never too far away from feeling at home. Enjoying a cocktail by the rooftop pool as the sun goes down is a must.
Where to dine
Oceanside dining comes second nature to the dwellers of Santa Barbara, and all along the main street you’ll find restaurants catering to every culinary requirement as well as wine bars, dive bars and everything in between. If you do stay at Hotel Californian (lucky you) then book a table at their on-site restaurant Blackbird for incredible handcrafted cocktails, local wine and a modern take on your favourite flavours. Think small plates made from the freshest local produce, in the ultimate spot for people watching. The hotel also has an all-day café in the form of The Goat Tree, in case you’re looking for a quick pit stop refuel.
If brunch is your favourite meal, you have to check out Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery, a family-owned spot extremely popular with the locals for good reason. There was a line out the door when we arrived on an unassuming Friday morning, but don’t let that put you off, the food and atmosphere was worth it.
Located downtown, there’s also the Santa Barbara public Market to stop by, bustling with food from an array of locally sourced cuisine if you’re looking for something on-the-go.
If you’re looking for an aperitif or post-dinner drink, head to State Street and wander down to find an incredible line-up of bars. The street has a European feel about it and is a great place to head for a bit of bustle in this otherwise laidback town. The James Joyce, Dusk Bar and The Red Piano are all worth stopping at for a drink, or two…
The surrounding area of Santa Barbara now rivals Northern California’s Napa and Sonoma regions for wine production, thanks to the valleys created by the Santa Ynez Mountains. The area is dotted with rolling vineyards and tasting tours, so it would be rude not to, really.
What to do
Santa Barbara is known for its immaculate, sandy beaches, so if you’re looking to try your hand at water sports, whale watching or sunbathing, there’s plenty to choose from.
East Beach is a favourite with locals right near State Street, the main area for shopping and dining. Stearns Wharf id the oldest working pier in California, where you’ll find volleyball courts and a grass park with picnic tables.
If it’s nature you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this part of the Californian coast. Just off the shore is the Channel Islands National Park, where you can hike with wildlife, kayak through caves or explore the crystal-clear waters. Of course, whale watching is a must if you’re in Santa Barbara, and there’s plenty of tours to book onto in the hope of spotting humpback, blue, grey, and killer whales.
State Street is really the star of the show, with boutiques, antiques and cosy galleries dotted all along the street, and you can really spend a whole day just browsing what each store has to offer, stopping for coffee and snacks at one of the many cafés along the way. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the promenade hosts the Santa Barbara Farmers Market too, hosting 50 stalls.
If you’re looking for something more cultured, Santa Barbara’s Museum of Art has
25,000-piece permanent collection spanning centuries, with work ranging from contemporary installations to 19th-century French antiques. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon, easily located in the centre of Santa Barbara.
Hotel California has rooms from £450 per night.
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